Blocking in Three Simple Steps
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ก.ค. 2024
- The full step by step tutorial is at www.10rowsaday.com/blocking
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Hi Myrna. I am now 70 years old and have been knitting since I was about 14. Even so, I love your videos and tutorials and even at my age, I'm still learning new things from you. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much, Gail :-)
I have mostly taught myself to knit through TH-cam videos (around a year ago). I had never heard of blocking before, until someone said in passing in a knitting group they couldn't wait to "block" their sweater. I came to TH-cam to see what it was about. I quickly found your video and felt so much relief at how straightforward you made it. I have a lot of projects to block, and I'm excited to polish off the look of several of my pieces. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Allyson, I'm so happy that this tutorial demystified blocking for you. It is a super-helpful technique that works wonders for our finished knits. Happy knitting :-)
This is exactly to a T how I ended up here too!
Same. Just made my first Ranunculus 🤗🎉❤️ I love it. Now I must block it. All learned through. TH-cam. I should’ve have waited so long to make sweater. So much easier then I expected
Same sis same
Same here too❤
I searched all internet and funny enough NONE of them tells HOW MUCH, you Need to stretch, witch I Think is one of The most important Steps. Cause if you don't know cause you Maybe NEVER tried it before, Then you Can EASILY Think, That This is ALL ABOUT HOW WIDE, do it go, So THANK YOU, for This Wonderful & Simple explanation... 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
I've been knitting since was 4, today I'm 47, and I NEVER Blocked 1 pieces of knitting, or made 1 Sample.
But now I taken a Risk, trying to go on, making my 2 design, and do a written pattern with all details. My first one, was a Freestyle, but I want this one to be right, professional and do ALLE what it takes, to make any step, toward a perfect result
I'm more then appreciativ Thankful for this EASY told, your Important Steps, Anyone Else's Forgetting, and your Understandable explanation and showing ...
This you Should get a Trophy for.. so that is, what This is....
Hope you can be able to go to bed with a Smile on your Face, knowing that I Copenhagen Sits a VERY HAPPY Knitter, you gave a better knittingLife, to a Already HAPPY knitter. Now it's just PERFECT!!!!
SINCERELY The Singing Knitter
-xxx Chloé ❤❤❤🙏🙏
Thank you so much, Donna! I'm happy this tutorial helped you understand how blocking works. It is a simple but incredibly useful technique. Happy knitting, my friend!
As always. So informative, and thorough. Perfect lesson in blocking from one of my go-to teachers. Thank you Maryna!
Thank you so much - you are so kind :-)
This is the kind of blocking that suits me ! No pins, very simple. I knitted a little wall hanging that's come out a bit uneven, so I'm going to block it using this method. Thank you !
Self taught knitter I always learn new things on here thanks for tips.
I really enjoy your videos. They are short, sweet and to the point. You make everything in knitting look easy. Thanks again for another great tutorial.
Thank you so much, Chris :-)
I have watched a lot of blocking videos over time and I always come back to this one. I watch it before I block every project I do. Someday I will feel brave enough to do it without you but until then I watch! Thank you very much for your incredibly clear and thorough explanation,
The best blocking tutorial. You made it so easy for me. Thank you!
This is a GREAT explanation of blocking. I am about to block a piece for the first time (a sweater!) and this totally made sense to me.
I’ve been knitting since I was 4 ( now 15) and I wasn’t even thought this.... damn, my new blanket ‘boutta look real nice and even! :D
This video changed my knitting. As a beginner the pace is great, not too slow and not too fast. Thank you so much!!
Oooh, Desiree, I am so happy to hear that. Thank you!
I like your video its short nice and beautiful thanks
thank you! i am a beginner when it comes to knitting and was confused by blocking, but this vid makes it really clear!
You have the most beautiful hands. Oh, and you made a very useful video. Thanks!
Thank you,, Lynn. It is very nice of you :-)
Brilliant and clear explanation. Thank you very much! 🙏🏼
I learned how to knit in higher school at the youth group I attended because we would make Afghan Blankets for the seniors. The squares were both knitted and crocheted. Now I’m making an Afghan Blanket for my sister’s apartment and the edges of some of the pieces weren’t straight and I couldn’t figure out how to fix it. I’m so glad I found this video and I can finally straighten out the pieces.
Thank you! This video is very easy to understand.
I love your technique! My knitting looks so much better. Thank you
You are very welcome, Leah :-) Happy knitting!
That's the best to explain it, thank you! Be blessed!
I just found you today and you are such a delight. Thank you for your tutorials.
You are very welcome, Megumi :-) Happy knitting, my friend!
Awesome video! Thanks for making it!
Thank you for your time.
My pleasure, Paulette. Many thanks for your support :-)
Well done. Thank you.
Thank you for this excellent and very clear guide!
You are very welcome, Rebecca :-) Happy blocking!
Very informative!
Thank you for this clear, simple tutorial!
You are most welcome, Karen :-) Happy knitting, my friend!
thank you. Also - what beautiful hands you have!
Oooh, thank you, Margaux. You are so nice :-)
Thank you this was easy to follow!
Thank you 😊 💓 for your simple technique of blocking, I have used others before, but I like yours better 😉.
That was very helpful, thank you so much!
You are most welcome, Molly :-) Happy knitting!
Such BEAUTIFUL HANDS!!!!
Thank you, Ima. You are very kind :-)
Thanks so much!!!
Excellent, clear instructions from a very talented lady. I've only knitted scarves and a couple of hats so looking forward to completing a couple of proper projects like a raglan sweater and a buttonless cardigan. Thank you! And by the way you have beautiful hands, have you ever thought of doing some hand modelling? You may also be good at playing a musical instrument. Very creative. Thank you
Thank you so much for the kind words, Nia :-) I'm happy to know that you find my tutorials helpful. Thank you, my friend!
Thank you! I just knit a headband and it would roll up on the sides. I’m going to block it now
Thank you!!
😮Oh my gosh! I have been doing the OPPOSITE of this. I have not been stretching my fabric out unless it’s lace and I need to emphasize the “holes” in the pattern. I’m currently on my 3rd swatch (in the round) for a sweater I’m going to make. The gauge for the sweater is 18 st and 26 rows over 4”/10cm. I have 19.5 st and 26 rows over 4”/10 cm with needles two sizes bigger than the pattern recommends. I steam blocked those. I’m now working on a swatch that is with size 10 needles. I’m going to go home tonight after work and wet block those swatches and stretch them while they’re wet to see if they (1) make a nicer looking fabric and (2) are closer to the correct gauge.
Hi Teresa. It is always a good idea to block a swatch before measuring the gauge. Also, here's a tutorial that explains how to make sure your gauge is correct - www.10rowsaday.com/gauge-hack I hope you will find it helpful in your quest for the "right gauge". Happy knitting :-)
great video!!
Thank you :-) Happy knitting!
thank you for this super helpful tutorial, also I love your accent it's so pretty.
Thank you, Vanessa. You are very kind :-)
Thankyou for this. I just made a scarf in mosaic crochet and I think I may have accidentally used the wrong hook for one section as the sides wave out. I'm hoping I can even it out a bit with blocking. I have been knitting/crocheting since Iwas a child and never blocked. I don't even remember my mum blocking. Lets see how it goes!
Thank you so much for the tutorial, it came just at the right time for me. I have just finished a fairly long shawl and I have never blocked any of my knitting before... But this shawl really needs to be blocked. 🐨🇦🇺
You are right, Patricia - it's always good to block a shawl, especially if it's knit in a lace pattern. And it's absolutely worth the extra time because in most cases blocking drastically improves the look of a shawl. Have fun :-)
thanks for your video! i’m loom knitting a blanket and it looks a bit lumpy, i’m hoping this technique will help!
I have never blocked a piece yet. I’m knitting my first shirt and even though I gauged it, it’s 2-3 inches longer than it should be. I’m wondering if I should still block it and don’t stretch it bigger... also, is it better to block before or after sewing the pieces together?
Hi Myrna, Thank you so much your tutorials are very informative. I started knitting last year and I have learned enormously just by watching your videos. I have a quick question, I started a small baby sweater for a girl, and then I decided to continue knitting more rows to make it into a little dress. What would be the best bind off instead of ribbing the bottom.
Thank you
Hi Lorena. I'm so happy that you find my tutorials helpful. Thank you :-) As to the dress, I like the look of borders done in garter stitch. They are stretchy, don't curl and look a bit like a fur trim. Of course, a lot depends on the stitch patterns already used in the design of the sweater-turned-dress. You might want to use one of those stitch patterns to keep the design consistent. Happy knitting!
Hello Marina. Thank you for your wonderful video. You make it so simple and clear.
Can i block an alpaca and merino scarf this way. It is curled at the edge? Thank you
Hello Marie-France. Thank you for the kind words :-) Yes, you can use this method to block projects made of any fibre. If blocking doesn't remove the curling, you might need to trim your scarf with an i-cord edging (www.10rowsaday.com/icord-edging) , crab stitch edging (www.10rowsaday.com/crab-stitch) or some other treatment that tames the curl. Happy knitting!
Thank you, is this the same for acrylic and wool?
Yes, Cathie, the process is the same. When you deal with acrylic, be very careful not to apply too much heat to the fabric (if you steam it, keep the iron well above the surface of the fabric). With wet blocking shown in this video, there is no danger of "frying" acrylic fibre.
Is the water cold or hot ??
Warm. The temperature should be comfortable to your hands. Happy blocking :-)
Thank you for sharing your skill . You mentioned that each washing is in fact a "re-blocking ". Question : can I then sew/seam up a sweater and wash n block . Any difference from the approach of blocking the individual knitted pieces first n seam up later ? Thank you.
Hi Emily. Yes, you can definitely block your sweater after you seam it, but it is usually easier to seam edges that have been already blocked. Plus, be careful not to make the seams too tight. When the fabric relaxes during the blocking process, the seams could pucker. Good luck :-)
Do you recommend using a blocking wash or just straight water? Thanks
I've always used tap water to block my knitting projects and it's been working great. Maybe, blocking wash is also good, but I've never had a reason to give it a try.
I do a lot of knitting on the knitting looms. I do loads of hats and scarves. But I have never blocked a scarf before as I have never been able to manage it. But now I watch your video am going to try it. Would it work on a loom knitted scarf that's been done on a knitting loom.
Hi Terry, I'm glad this tutorial helped you to make friends with the blocking technique :-) Yes, blocking works on any knitted, loom-knitted or crochet projects. Good luck!
is the process the same for all types of fibers (could i follow this process for wool?) thank you so much!
Hi Anne. Yes, the process of blocking is the same for all fibres. If your project is made of synthetic fibre like acrylic, for example, be extra careful not to touch the fabric with the iron. Just like any type of plastic, synthetic fibres are afraid of heat.
Hi Maryna, great video! I’m in the process of making a scarf and I’ve realised that the width is a bit thinner than I’d like (but I’ve done enough rows that I don’t wish to restart it), can I make the scarf a bit wider during the blocking step by stretching it out and will it maintain its shape that way?
Hi Nicola, Yes, you can adjust the width slightly during blocking. If the difference between the actual width of the scarf and the width you make when you block is not big, the scarf will stay a bit wider. But if you stretch the width too much, the fabric will eventually contract, and the scarf won't be as wide as you want it to be. Good luck :-)
So does it stay that way after washing?
Because we usually dry our knits laid out on a towel, we kind of block them after every wash.
Hello Maryna-I have learned so many techniques from your tutorials! I am blocking for the very first time with a baby blanket. I notice that while I “shape” the blanket, not matter what I do the edging still curls under a little. Am I missing something? Is there something additional that I can do? If you can help me, I would appreciate it. Thank you! Lori
Hello Lori. If the edging curls in, most likely, the main stitch pattern of the blanket is based on stockinette stitch. If it is the case, the edge will tend to curl no matter what, but blocking should make it less prone to curling if you wet the edge nicely, lay it out flat and let dry completely. Good luck :-)
Is it okay to only stretch it in one direction? I’m knitting something with many different types of stitches, but one specific one makes my square look much more like a rectangle. I want to make it into a square shape like all the rest of my pieces.
Of course. Once the fabric is moist, we can mold it. It is a great opportunity to fix minor issues and make the project look exactly like we want it to look.
May I ask which kind of stitches did you use to make this pretty piece?
The piece that I block in this tutorial is a part of the Facile Sweater. The pattern is at www.10rowsaday.com/facile-sweater
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I have one question if you don’t mind. Just because I’ve never dine this before. If I block a sweater, but then put it in the wash after using it, will the blocking get un done?
It is not that the blocking will get undone, it is more like the sweater will get "re-blocked". After every wash, place the sweater on a towel, even out the stitches, make sure the sweater is not distorted and looks right. Then let it dry and wear it again.
@@10rowsaday Thank you for replying so promptly. I ask because I will be making a blanket, and re shaping a blanket after every wash becomes a big chore. I'm going to have to rethink my ideas! :-)
Please, don't be afraid of blocking. We do need to wash our knits every now and then. When the project is wet, simply place it on something flat, adjust the fabric to make sure it is not stretched too much and let it dry. I have a huge knitted blanket that I wash every summer, then fold it in half and leave to dry on the deck. It takes one hot day to dry it completely.
@@10rowsaday Thank you! You are very kind. If I grow the courage I will let you know! It's not a lack of wanting to do it,a s there are so many beautiful ones to do! Thank you once again.
This was my question too! Thanks so much for all the great info!
"It's not a science, it's all creative crap." Haha! Thanks so much for your video. Very informative. I have one problem. I live in a small apartment with hardly any square footage left for a very long scarf. How would I block that? I thought about blocking half and then the other. Or maybe it can make a u-turn and then I could block the "u" part? Do you have any suggestions?
Block your scarf, then fold it in half and place it on your bed to dry. Do it in the morning to have your bed available by the bed time and lay towels under the scarf to make sure it doesn't stain your sheets (some yarns can bleed). Good luck :-)
@@10rowsaday Thank you!
Hello Maryna. I have a baby sweater that I’ve done in 4 ply acrylic wool can I use this method
Of course, Ruth. This method works well for all fibres. Just be careful if you decide to steam your project with a steamer or an iron - acrylic yarn is sensitive to heat. Keep the iron farther from the fabric to avoid "frying" the fibre. Or, simply wet the sweater in warm water. It will take a little longer to dry, but you would know for sure that the fabric does not get damaged by heat. Good luck :-)
I need to block a knitted poncho that was knitted in the round. That means the fabric will be doubled when I lay it out on the towel. Should I turn it over at some point because it will be thicker than drying one layer of a knitted fabric? It could possibly take many days to dry.
Love your video. It’s the simplest yet most informative I have watched.
Thank you, Terri :-) As to blocking big projects like a poncho, yes, it usually helps to turn the project over every now and then. You can also place another towel inside the poncho. This way, it will dry faster. Happy knitting!
Do you have to "re block" every time you wash your knitted piece?
Washing is already part of blocking. After every wash, place the knitted piece on a towel, even out the stitches, make sure the piece is not distorted and looks right. Then let it dry and wear it again.
Thanks, Maryna. It's amazing what I google help for. I am about to block two cowls that I have knitted and was wondering if I should buy SOAK or EUCALAN wool wash. I notice you don't use any wash just water.
Hi Jennifer. In most cases, plain water is enough to block a knitted project. When I wash my knits, I use the same shampoo I use for my hair and never had any issues with this method. After all, both wool and our hair are protein fibres so what works for our hair works well for wool too. That being said, I've heard a lot of positive comments about Soak and Eucalan.
@@10rowsaday Thanks, Maryna.
It isn't clear whether you're blocking wool or synthetic yarn? And are they the same?
The piece featured in this tutorial is made of bamboo rayon, but the process of blocking is the same for any fibre.
Thank you for this video.
I am confused by blocking. Does it mean that after every wash, one has to block a knitted item? Because washing a sweater will remove the blocking, right?
And for lace, if I block a lace scarf, adding the tips and opening up the eyelets, these will disappear when the scarf is washed, right? So I would have to block it again?
Yes, every time we wash a project, we should even it out and let it dry on a flat surface. The good news is that the fabric "remembers" its shape, so every time we wash the project, it will be easier to block it. Good luck :-)
@@10rowsaday thank you, indeed!
Is blocking for Aran knitting (cables) the same?
Good question, Denise! Many sources say that cables should not be blocked because blocking makes them flatter. While this is true, a lot depends on the project and how YOU want it to look. If you prefer to make cables less textured, then gentle blocking will help. If you like 3D texture of the cables, then leave them as they are. What can I say - blocking Aran is a creative task :-) Good luck!
@@10rowsaday I do like the texture and really do not want to flatten my work so I will not block. Thank you for your help!
Maryna if one did ( I did Not) but just wondering if one did block Aran and did not like it would it go back after washing to the original?
@@MarielleStowe sorry I can not read I think it is French.
@@MarielleStowe no problem at all. Last name threw marriage. His family is part French but no French speaking to his knowledge. Thank you for the information on blocking.
Have a blessed weekend.
Should we flip it before completing drying?
Not really. If the project is laid out on a towel, in most cases, it will dry on both sides without any issues. If you are blocking an unusually thick fabric and want it to dry faster, flipping it on another dry towel could help. Good luck :-)
When you block do you have to do it every time you wash it
Hi Jan, Drying a project after washing IS, in fact, blocking. When you lay the washed knit out to dry, you spread it nicely on a towel, make sure the shape is right, and all stitches are well aligned. That's blocking, even if often we don't realise it :-)
10rowsaday thank you that’s very helpful I enjoyed your video
Hi, should I block before or after adding tassels. Thanks a lot.
It is easier to block a project before you add tassels. If the tassels also need blocking, you can steam them after you add them to a properly blocked project. Good luck :-)
@@10rowsaday Thank you very much.
And have to do this after each washing?
Because the fabric is already wet after you wash it, all you need to do it to lay it flat to dry.
Can we try this method for crochet projects too ?
Of course. The idea is the same for any textile project. Happy crafting :-)
Do you need to block it every time you wash it going forwards?
In a way, yes. After you wash your project, lay it flat on a towel, rearrange the fabric to make it look nice and symmetrical and let it dry completely.
@@10rowsaday thanks so much!!
I have problems with the edges before seeming. Any tutorial
Here's a tutorial about several ways to make neat side edges - th-cam.com/video/SL_mcvNcYe8/w-d-xo.html I hope you'll find it helpful :-) Happy knitting!
does this work with acrylic yarn?
Blocking is good for any fibre. Make sure you don't apply too much heat to acrylic. Because this yarn is synthetic, it can "fry" if you iron it with a hot iron. If you steam or wet-block, it won't damage acrylic fibre.
Absolutely, you can block any yarn. Just don’t literally apply the iron on any type of yarns, especially acrylics.
I have never blocked my hats. Is it always necessary?
No, Maureen, it is not always necessary. Blocking evens out the fabric and improves the look of the project, especially if the project is big, like a sweater, for example. If the project is highly textured or your knitting tension is naturally nice and even, you can skip blocking and start wearing your project right away. But if you'd like to make it look smoother, block it. Good luck :-)
@@10rowsaday thanks. So in a blanket or a sweater or something large… yes… block it! Thanks
Does this apply to wool knitting?
Yes, this method applies to all fibres. Happy knitting :-)
Is it warm water in bowl? Or tepid?
Just warm enough to be comfortable for the hands.
Very informative. Thank you :) Does this work the same way with different materials? would a 100% wool be blocked the same way?
Absolutely! In fact, wool is usually the most responsive to blocking. In some projects, the improvement after blocking is almost magical :-)
Thank you for sharing another great video. But I read that if you knit with acrylic you can't block it. Besides you put the garment in the washer and dryer. I knit mainly with acrylic because it is easier to launder and take care of it. I know it does not look as nice as the other fibers. But I launder frequently. Again, thanks
Thank you, Sara :-) As to blocking acrylic yarn, you should be careful only if you steam block it because heat could fry synthetic fibres. If you use the method I described in this tutorial, you won't have any issues with acrylic. But if you wash your knits in a washing machine, the stitches get evened out anyway. So I wouldn't worry about blocking :-)
Thank you
Does this work with 20 percent wall and 80 percent acyclic, don't want my wool to go all funny
Sure. You can block any yarn, but make sure you don't keep the iron close to the (mostly) acrylic yarn. Synthetic fibres are very sensitive to heat.
@@10rowsaday That's useful thanks.
Thank you for this video. Really helped me :) I make knitting podcasts and I’d appreciate it if you’d check them out x
Hi Liv. I like your podcast and I wish you all the best in your new handmade business :-)
Too much talking , just block please!
Sorry about providing too many details, Debra. This extra information is helpful to understand the "why" behind every action we do when we block our knits. If you are a savvy blocker, feel free to skip parts of this video.
Wow! I just saw this video for the first time today and found it incredibly informative. If you want to make a video that's better, go ahead and do so. Or why don't you go find another video. Not only is this lady sharing her expertise with you but you have the nerve to tell how long she should make her video now? You must be a blast to hang out with.